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Shau Kei Wan－A Fusion of Culinary Delights and Culture

One of the first neighbourhoods to be developed in Hong Kong, Shau Kei Wan was inhabited by fishermen as early as Ming dynasty. Though historically a fishing village and a harbour of refuge, the area gradually transformed into an industrial district in the 1920s as its population continued to grow. In the 1960s, large-scale housing projects and reclamation took place in Shau Kei Wan, creating and giving shape to its current landscape.

In recent years, this aging district is being given a facelift as old properties are acquired by developers for redevelopment. Let’s take a stroll together and see what makes this neighbourhood so unique and attractive.

Stretching from under the Eastern Corridor to Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan Main Street East is a major artery of the neighbourhood where both sides of the road are packed with various shops and up to 60+ eateries. Due to the amount of renowned restaurants and food stalls, Main Street East is also known as the ‘Food Street’ of Eastern District.

If you turn into Kam Wa Street, you will find one of the few existing open wet markets in Hong Kong between Mong Lung Street and Aldrich Street. Having been around for more than 30 years, the wet market is not only a hotspot for local residents but also those who live in Eastern District. Both sides of the street are lined with old-style tong laus, while ground floor shops consist of seafood stalls, butcher shops and grocery stores etc, and on the road are vegetable and fruit stalls.

Aside from the impressive variety of eating options, another highlight of Main Street East is the 100 year-old banyan tree located in the middle of the street, right in front of Shau Kei Wan Government Primary School.

L Cinema

Tucked away on the second floor of a small shopping mall, L Cinema is the only movie theatre in the district to serve its residents. With only two houses, it is much smaller in size comparing to its counterparts on the Island but movie goers can still enjoy a great entertainment experience due to the cinema’s inclined seating design and abundance of space between seats. Children cushions are available upon request.

The biggest boost L Cinema offers is its ticket prices. Whether it is the morning or noon matinee or regular showtime, the ticket prices for students, adults and senior are considerably cheaper than most cinemas in Hong Kong! Furthermore, L Cinema has a loyalty programme which awards customers 1 free ticket for every 10 purchases.

2/F, Galaxy Plaza, Mong Lung Street2209 4916

The Deities of Shau Kei Wan

Shau Kei Wan is home to quite a number of temples and shrines, notably Tam Kung Temple, Tin Hau Temple and Shing Wong Temple. A Grade 1 historic building constructed in 1905 during the Ching dynasty, Tam Kung Temple houses the deity Tam Kung, who is the patron of fishermen. Each year on April 8 of the lunar calendar, the birthday of Tam Kung will be celebrated by the hosting of parades and ritual performances. The temple is currently closed for maintenance works and is expected to reopen in April 2017.

Located on Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Tin Hau Temple is not only the worshipping place for Tin Hau but also for Tang dynasty scholar Lu Dongbin and Guanyin. Inside the temple, visitors can find a collection of well-preserved murals, woodcarvings and Shek Wan pottery.

Shing Wong Temple sits close to the tram terminus at the intersection of Kam Wa Street and Shau Kei Wan Main Street East. Built in 1877, it is a Grade 3 historic building that is dedicated to the worshipping of Shing Wong, the God of the Moat, and also Tudigong (Lord of the Soil and the Ground) and Wutong Shen (a group of five sinister deities).

Overlooking the Eastern Corridor from its location on the hill, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence was formerly Lei Yue Mun Fort, which was built over 100 years ago. The fort acted as a major strategic stronghold in protecting and defending the waters of Lei Yue Mun from sea invasion.

The museum consists of a reception, fortress and a historical trail that showcases the 600-year history of Hong Kong's coastal defenses.

175 Tung Hei Road. Shau Kei Wan2569 1500

Lei Yue Mun Park

Entering from Chai Wan Road, Lei Yue Mun Park is approximately 23 hectares in sizeand the grounds include European-style buildings and accommodation for around 280 campers. Aside from having a close encounter with nature and the fresh air, the holiday camp offers a massive number of facilities, such as archery range, ropes course, sports climbing wall, mini-golf pitch, arts and crafts room, demonstration nursery, barbecue area and many more!

The fact that Lei Yue Mun Park is up on a hill in the city saves on travelling time and makes it an ideal location for a weekend family outing where everybody can enjoy the fresh air and stretch their limbs. Furthermore, the camp offers free shuttle bus service for campers.

75 Chai Wan Road2568 7455 / 2568 7858

Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School

Walking down the slope on the side of Lei Yue Mun Park, you can easily reach Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School.

Managed by Hong Kong Jockey Club, Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School is a public riding facility that is equipped with a lecture room, paddocks, a stable and a 1300 metre long hacking trail paved along the hillside, allowing riders to savour an uninterrupted view of Lei Yue Mun Strait.

Activities the school offers include group training classes, horse hiring, taking a horse at livery, visits, riding competitions, etc., all of which with the aim to promote equestrian sport.

Nicole is an editor at Squarefoot.com.hk. With experience in television, film and publishing, Nicole shares her thoughts on entertainment, lifestyle, and food and drink. In her spare time, Nicole is a devoted dog parent.